ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bombing

n. · v.
US //ˈbɑmɪŋ// UK //bˈɒmɪŋ// bomb·ing
  1. 1 an explosive attack (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    an attack where bombs are dropped from planes or hidden in a place to explode.

    the act of attacking a target with explosive devices, whether through aerial bombardment or the placement of improvised explosives.

    Example

    The city was damaged during the heavy bombing in the final months of the war.

    Example

    The government condemned the recent bombing of the marketplace, promising a swift investigation into the groups responsible for the blast.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun for the general activity or a countable noun for a specific event.
  2. 2 attacking or failing (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the action of attacking with bombs, or failing completely at something like a performance.

    the present participle of 'bomb', used to describe the act of explosive attack or, informally, a total failure in a public performance.

    Example

    The comedian was bombing so badly that people started leaving the theatre early.

    Example

    While the air force was bombing strategic industrial sites, the diplomatic corps worked feverishly to negotiate a ceasefire.

    Usage

    The 'failure' sense is informal and typically used in the context of entertainment or exams.

Last updated June 19, 2026